By Kelvin Ololo
The Cross River State Government has released the full schedule for the 2025 edition of Africa’s biggest street party, the Calabar Carnival, unveiling a rich 32-day cultural and entertainment calendar themed “Traces of Time.”
The program which runs from November 30, 2025, to January 1, 2026, features more than 60 major events across Calabar and other cities, reaffirming the festival’s status as Africa’s premier street carnival and Nigeria’s longest yuletide celebration.
To kick off the festivities, a symbolic Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony was held on Sunday, 30 November 2025, at Millennium Park, symbolically illuminating Calabar, Ikom and Ogoja. The night also host the Carnival Calabar and Festival Lottery Draws, setting the tone for weeks of nightly entertainment and public engagement.
Transitioning into the first weekday, Monday 1 December 2025 featured a City Walk Against AIDS led by the First Lady of Cross River State, Her Excellency Obongwan Bassey Otu, at 7am. This will be followed by the Opening of the Calabar Festival Village at 9am. Later in the afternoon same day, the National Museum (Old Residency) will open its Arts Exhibition at 4pm under the “Traces of Time” series.
The cultural momentum continues on Tuesday, December 2, as the arts exhibition enters day two. Governor Bassey Otu is expected to open the Local Government Village, showcasing the distinct cultural identities of all 18 LGAs. The evening will officially kick-start 31 consecutive days of musical performances at the Festival Village.
As the program gathers pace, December 14 and 15 will feature Voices of Paradise 2.0 at Millennium Park, alongside the Female Super Cup football fixture designed to promote healthy living among young women.
Further expanding the week’s activities, Tuesday, December 16, will host the Mmadiaha Children’s Christmas Care Camp, followed by the Southern Senatorial Exhibition at noon. The day will conclude with the Cross River Movie Awards/Music and Festival Award Night at the Cultural Center.
Attention shifts to sports from December 17, with the Mary Slessor Golf Tournament teeing off at 9am and the Night of Legend holding at 7pm. Youth-focused entertainment continues on December 18 with Fun Fest at the U.J. Esuene Stadium.
Meanwhile, building on the excitement, December 19 will feature a trio of major events – the Nigeria Strongest Man and Woman Competition, the Boat Regatta, and Naija Most Wanted, celebrating a blend of traditional sports and modern entertainment.
The cultural immersion deepens on December 20 with the Calabar Food Festival at African Club, opening a weekend of culinary and heritage experiences. On the same day, Obong’s Coliseum will host Utomo Obong, a tribute to the Efik kingdom, while the Tripartite Heritage Walkway Festival will light up Esuene Stadium at 7pm with freestyle music and artistic displays.
Rounding off the third week, the grand finale of Voices of Paradise 3.0 will be held on Sunday, December 21, alongside the Calabar Festival Alumni Walkathon.
The celebration continues on December 22 with Calabar Royal, an exclusive theatre performance, while Marina Resort opens its doors at 1pm for the Festival of Grills.
In the same vein, December 23 will highlight the Calabar Humanity Charity Tour to orphanages at 10am. This will be followed by the homecoming cultural celebration Mbono Ndito Ishie at noon and the much-anticipated African Fashion Fiesta at 5pm.
As Christmas approaches, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols is scheduled for December 24 at the Government Banquet Hall. On Christmas Day, children will take center stage at the Calabar Kiddies Hero Xmas Party at the Old Residency Museum, featuring popular costume characters such as Superman, Spider-Man, Ben 10, Flash and Wonder Woman. The day will conclude with the Calabar Festival Christmas Concert at U.J. Esuene Stadium.
The 2025 program, according to the state government reflects Governor Otu’s commitment to revitalizing tourism, strengthening community identity, and expanding economic opportunities during the festive season. Featuring music, sports, cultural exhibitions, heritage tours, fashion showcases, food festivals and charity initiatives. The carnival is expected to draw visitors from across Nigeria and beyond.
With this robust calendar, Cross River State once again reasserts itself as the home of hospitality, culture and Africa’s largest street party.
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